Rita's Resident Pets

Rita's House

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Children at home (5-12 years old)

Large Yard

Smoke-free home

Pets allowed on furniture

Air-conditioned inside

About Rita

40 Years Experience Caring For Dogs

When your dog stays with me they will get lots of attention. I am a stay at home mom who will give them 24/7 supervision. Duncan our Westie is an excellent host. He is very sweet and gets along with most dogs. I will try my best to keep your dog in their normal routine the best that I can. I will love them and give them many hugs to make their stay as comfortable as I can. I have an 11 year old daughter who will also spoil your dog with love. We live by Freeman Park that is connected to the Minnetonka Trail which we use everyday, so your dog will get their exercise! I think of dog sitting just like grandkids...when they come to visit. I love them and give them lots of hugs and then Mom and Dad come and take them home!!

Availability

Credentials

This sitter has passed a background check, which searches a variety of criminal databases.

Course 101 Graduate

By completing courses at DogVacay University, hosts learn about best practices to help them provide the highest quality care for your dog.

Course 102 Graduate

By completing courses at DogVacay University, hosts learn about best practices to help them provide the highest quality care for your dog.

Phone Interviewed

Serious hosts take the time to talk to us over the phone, get their questions asked and introduce themselves personally.

Pay through DogVacay for:

Premium Pet Insurance, 24/7 Customer
Support and Daily Photo Updates!

Services & Rates

Boarding Overnight At Rita's Home

$30/night

Watches up to 3 dogs/night

Dogs will never be left unattended

5+ potty breaks/day

3+ walks/day

Pets can sleep wherever they want

Daycare At Rita's Home

$20/day

Watches up to 2 dogs/day

Dog Walking

$15/half-hour

$25/hour

Willing to travel 10 miles

Home Visits

$20/visit

Willing to travel 10 miles

Baths

$15/bath

Pick-Up/Drop-Off

$10 each way

Willing to travel 10 miles

More Services

44 Reviews

Nona H.

Nov 2016

Our experience was wonderful, couldn't have been with a nicer host family. I would highly recommend Rita and her family!

Phillipa H.

Nov 2016

Rita is always incredible! Thanks!!

Keli S.

Nov 2016

Rita was flexible in scheduling, sent me updates with pictures and my pups were wore out for 2 days once I got them home! I felt my dogs were in great hands and very happy with the care she gave them.

Theresa V.

Nov 2016

Rita and her family were amazing!! They kept us up to date on how our dog Bella was doing, along with great pictures of her favorite places in the home. I would highly recommend Rita if you are looking for an alternative solution for your dog next time you leave town.

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Monica B.

Oct 2016

Charlie (Irish Terrier) had so much fun with Rita and Duncan, he slept for a good day and a half on return home....
He loves to go on long fast-paced walks and was treated to such on a daily basis.
Great experience for the whole family.

Mirna B.

Oct 2016

We had our yorkie stay with Rita twice now. We enjoyed daily pictures and updates from Rita. She is very flexible and accomodating (even to last minute requests). Our dog is happy and seems to enjoy her time at Rita's. We will certainly be back.

Aaron T.

Oct 2016

Rita and family again did an amazing job watching our dogs.

Trish G.

Sep 2016

Rita and her little Duncan were very welcoming when we met them and again when we dropped off for our first dog sitting experience! Shortly after dropping off, I received a message and picture of our pup, Jimmy, letting us know all was going well. Jimmy obviously enjoyed his time with Rita and Duncan as each time we walk past her house on the sidewalk, he looks towards her house and wants to cross the street!

It was a very positive experience and we'll definitely be booking more reservations in the future.

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Carolyn S.

Aug 2016

We were going out of town and actually had to have our house sitters take our Pip to Rita's each day and pick her up. To smooth the way Pip and I visited Rita and her home before we left on our trip. Rita was so nice and easy going. She just brings the dogs into her home and treats them as one of the family. I LOVED get pictures of Pip. I had never done something like this before and was a bit nervous but, Pip seemed to thoroughly enjoy herself. When we are in a situation where we will need a doggy day care I wont hesitate to call Rita again.

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Nicole R.

Aug 2016

This is our second time having our Westie stay with Rita and I recommend her highly. We get daily pictures of our pup, which makes me feel so comfortable that he's happy!

Nicholas G.

Aug 2016

Rita's great! I can tell my basset likes staying with her. I like that Rita texts me pictures of my dog and updates me on what they're doing from time to time. Her westie Duncan is sweet too. :)

Mark F.

Aug 2016

Skippy had agreat time, she is shy and warmed right up to Rita. Already booked more days.

Renee C.

Aug 2016

We enjoyed the updates on our puppy's well-being. It was nice to know that he was doing great while we were away. We would definitely be comfortable booking Rita's petting-sitting services again and would recommend her to others.

Kimberly L.

Aug 2016

This was Lily's first stay with Rita. It went very well! We appreciated the pictures and updates Rita provided throughout Lily's stay and will definitely use her services again.

Katie H.

Jul 2016

Rita and her family took awesome care of our little Bentley! She sent pics during his stay and was very responsive. Would take him back in a heartbeat!

Ellen G.

Jul 2016

This was our first stay with dog sitter.
I was very nervous. But Rita was immediately very welcoming and gracious from the first meeting on.

Which made us more comfortable right away.

I felt like she really cared about making Lillys' stay a good experience. For me most importantly, she payed attention to all the details that would make our dog feel at home while we were gone.
She even had a plan for thunderstorms!

Rita has a beautiful large yard.(Great gardener!) Lilly started exploring right away! And she got to have walks everyday on some nice quiet trails right by their house.
And not to leave out Mr.Duncan,(Ritas' Westie). What a sweet,gentle and a good playmate…!

We got great pics and comments everyday. Really nice experience.
Great family. Nice people. We will stay there again!

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Nichole P.

Jun 2016

Rita & her family took care of my baby very well! Rita was holding her when my dog saw me walking towards her, and was content to stay in her arms until I got close. That says a lot!

Phillipa H.

Jun 2016

Rita was awesome! Very flexible and responsive on the emergency timeframe I was under.

She took great care of Leo & sent me pics of him playing with her other dog, her daughter, out at the pool, etc...

Leo will definitely be back for another visit w/Rita & Duncan in the future! THANKS!!

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Gayle L.

May 2016

We were totally happy. This was a repeat visit.

Gayle L.

May 2016

Rita was wonderful with my dog,Ozzy. He had a playmate, Duffy, got to be outside and go for walks. Rita kept me updated with emails and photos of my dog and alway followed thru when I coresponded with her. I will be back with Ozzy for more TLC!

Betsy B.

May 2016

This was our first time using DogVacay and it was a great experience. Rita couldn't have been nicerand her yard for play was beautiful. I also really appreciated the picture of Gus settled in and her communication with us. We would definitely use Rita again!

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Michael & Julia W.

Apr 2016

Our little dog Daisy had a wonderful 10 day stay with Rita. We had never boarded our dog and were a bit nervous about our first time dog sitting experience. The text updates and pictures provided our family with tremendous peace of mind and made our vacation more enjoyable. Daisy had a GREAT time during her stay. Long walks everyday, people snuggles, and Duncan is a complete gentleman. We will definitely ask Rita to watch Daisy again!

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Denise E.

Apr 2016

We picked up two tired but happy dogs. We appreciated the pictures and updates. We really appreciated the extra tlc needed when our old guy wouldn't take his meds. Thanks Rita!

Nicole R.

Apr 2016

I highly recommend Rita! She was extremely accommodating and quick to get back to us with any questions prior to our stay. She sent pictures of our dog throughout our stay! We definitely would use her again.

Sandra L.

Apr 2016

Gracie had such fun with Rita and her lovely daughter! Gracie went on two daily walks (on the bike trail path) and had fun playing in Rita's yard. She also relaxed in a lounge chair by Rita's pool and got plenty of cuddle time with Rita's daughter. We were sent several really cute pictures and I could tell that Gracie had a wonderful time. I would not hesitate to have Rita dog sit for Gracie again.

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Norma Jean M.

Apr 2016

Rita was great! Our precious pooch was happy and "smiling" when we got back from a week away. We could tell he had been well-loved and enjoyed his new friends! The pictures and updates were so helpful. We will definitely book with Rita again and will recommend her to our friends and neighbors. Thank you so much!

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Dan L.

Apr 2016

Our Shih Tzu Snickers had a great stay with Rita and her family. We received daily updates and he seemed to do very well. We selected Dog Vacay as our trip was on short notice and his typical kennel was full. Glad to have found the service and plan to use again in the future!

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Pat and Bill R.

Feb 2016

Rita and her family were great- caring and communicating! We felt lucky to have our baby in such a nice home! Loved the pictures of Izzie's vacation! Thanks!

Jennifer S.

Feb 2016

Rita was very sweet! She was willing to take care of my 10 week old puppy which allowed me to get her 2 weeks earlier. If she wouldn't have taken her I would have had to leave her with the breeder for those 2 additional weeks and pick her up after my scheduled trip. I appreciated the care that she gave my "little girl". I fully understand all the extra work that a puppy requires. She was very accommodating with drop off and pick up times.

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Yang G.

Dec 2015

Dakota and Lala had their very first boarding experience with Rita and her family, and they had great time. Rita and her family took great care of them, very responsive and flexible to our need. We're grateful to fine Rita and will definitely coming back for future need. Thanks Rita and happy holidays!!!

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Judi K.

Dec 2015

Boo was so comfortable at Rita's house - and we so appreciated the photos that were sent to us while we were out of town. Thanks for taking such good care of our girl, Rita!

Brenda S.

Nov 2015

We felt comfortable leaving our dog with Rita and her family. Rita sent us pictures and comments during the week, which we appreciated, and our dog seemed happy when we picked him up. We will use her again.

Denny m.

Nov 2015

We feel very comfortable with Rita taking care of our dog. She definitely is a dog person.

Charlotte B.

Oct 2015

Rita was wonderful! She and her sweet family took care of Georgie like she was their own. I am very grateful to find Rita.

Debra N.

Oct 2015

My older dog has stayed with Rita twice.
He is well cared for and I trust her with 'my baby'!
He is signed up for visit 3.
Thank you Rita!

Nancy T.

Sep 2015

Our border collie Cody was happy and tired when we picked him up. We received daily updates and pictures from Rita. Cody was reluctant to leave. It is such a relief to know that he was well occupied playing with the household dog and family members. I will be recommending to everyone.

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Jeff T.

Sep 2015

Rita and family were great dog sitters. Our dog didn't want to come home. I would definitely bring my dog back to Rita and Excelsior Dog Inn. Thanks Again!

Denny m.

Sep 2015

We were very pleased. Rita is definitely a dog person. This was the first time we have left our dog and she did just fine. This was the first time we have left our dog and she did just fine. We plan to try and overnight stay now.

Robyn T.

Aug 2015

Rita was a great host and her home/outdoor space were a perfect place for our dogs to stay. Highly recommend and will book her again. Thanks Rita and family!

Tina V.

Aug 2015

Thank you, Rita and Emilia, for your kindness and for taking such good care of Rusty. Thank you also for being accommodating about drop off and pick up times. We appreciated the photo's you sent, and seeing Rusty looking so happy in your care. We would highly recommend your very capable services. Thanks again!. Tina and Kelly

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Tonya S.

Jul 2015

This was the first time we used DogVacay and I'm so happy we chose Rita. She was very responsive during the meet and greet & booking process. We received daily updates and photos during our dogs stay. We picked up our pup and she was happy and healthy. We would definitely use Rita again.

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Nancy H.

Jul 2015

Rita takes such good care of Louie while he stays with her. She's fantastic!

Kristina K.

May 2015

Rita and her family were so welcoming of our dog over a long weekend. She was very prompt to respond and sent pictures and updates. I could tell our dog was being well cared for. She's very caring and loving and it shows! Please consider using Rita and her family for your pet! You will not regret it!

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Nancy H.

May 2015

Rita and her family took care of Louie for the first time. I cannot convey the peace of mind I felt with Louie in their care. Rita sent me updates every day, walked him, and Rita's dog Duncan was also a great pal for Louie. Rita's very responsible and responsive -- I'll be reserving 'vacay' time with Rita again!